Organic gardening is becoming more popular with each passing year. It’s a way to decrease the number of pesticides we consume and help protect our environment. But it can be overwhelming at first.
This type of gardening doesn’t have to be scary. Start small with just a few plants, or create a larger space. It’s all about what makes you comfortable.
Roll up those sleeves, slide on your gardening gloves, and grab your tools to begin your adventure of growing fresh and delicious produce. Oops, let me backup and give you some steps into your new world of gardening.
There are countless ways to begin, and the internet is full of informative organic gardening tips. However, I have narrowed it down to 5 easy steps.
- Pick your location – look for an area that supports 8 hours of full sun. Some vegetables, such as lettuce and herbs, will want a little more shade. Be sure to read the label for care instructions.
- Invest in your soil – this is the foundation for your garden. You can turn any soil into a rich environment for growth by adding organic compost. This can consist of mulched leaves or straws, breaking down and nurturing the soil over time. Start with 2-6” of compost and add 1-2” yearly. Visit kelloggarden.com for more compost ideas beyond mulch and straw.
- Plant what you love to eat – radishes, turnips, lettuce, and zucchini are great for beginners.
- Buy your plants – head to your local organic nursery to pick out your plants. You can start your plants by seed, which takes more time and care.
- Watering – don’t forget to water your plants. Doing deep watering less often than light watering every day is better. The best time to water is early morning as the plants soak up the water before the afternoon heat.
Planting an organic garden gives us a sense of pride. It lets us know we provide healthy foods for our family and ourselves. What will you be growing this season?
